The February 2024 numbers are in. Rapid City’s average weekly wages were $1,024. This means for the first time in Rapid City’s history, the average weekly earnings of all employees have surpassed $1,000. The previous record of $995 was in October 2023. This also places Rapid City at the top of South Dakota cities.
In comparison to other metros in the region:
- Bismarck, North Dakota: $1,302
- Fargo, North Dakota: $1,054
- Fort Collins, Colorado: $1,050
- Rapid City: $1,024
- Sioux Falls: $1,017
- Casper, Wyoming: $987
- Billings, Montana: $939
“This is great news for Rapid City’s economy!” said Tom Johnson, President/CEO of Elevate Rapid City. “Rapid City has seen consistent growth in many of our primary sector jobs including technology, health care, and manufacturing which are the higher-paying industries. With record-low unemployment, we also know businesses have had to be more competitive when it comes to hiring and retaining staff.
But this is about more than wages,” Johnson added. “This represents someone affording a home for the first time. Or groceries for their families. Higher wages in our region means people have more spending power to support our local businesses.”
Weekly wages is one of several economic indicators and trends Elevate Rapid City reports on each month. Elevate Rapid City is a public-private partnership organization leading the economic development and small business efforts in the Black Hills region. Elevate is the chamber of commerce, economic development, and business incubator for Rapid City and the surrounding region. Visit elevaterapidcity.com to learn more.
